How to get started on researching your m sc project
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This document provides guidance on how to effectively research a topic for an MSc project using library resources. It discusses developing a search strategy by identifying keywords, related terms, and alternative spellings. It also covers searching techniques like using Boolean operators and wildcards. The document lists relevant library resources like databases, subject guides, and interlibrary loans. It emphasizes evaluating information sources using the CRAAP test and determining authority, accuracy, purpose and more. Interactive activities encourage applying these skills to an individual research topic.
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How to get started on researching your m sc project
- 1. LibraryLibraryServices How to get started researching your MSc Project Leanne Workman, Information Consultant for ISG http://libguides.rhul.ac.uk/InformationSecurity
- 2. LibraryDepartment My aim today is to answer these questions… • How do I go about searching for information on my project topic? • What information resources does the library have? We’ll also cover some quick tricks and tips on searching using Library resources, such as databases, to search quick and fast!
- 3. LibraryDepartment So before I start… a couple of quick questions for you… 3 https://www.flickr.com/photos/56218409@N03/15371262455/
- 4. Library You need to develop a search strategy… Pick out the key words in your topic Find alternative terms Identify good sources of information Combine your key words Locate texts Read
- 6. Break down your essay topic into components
- 7. LibraryDepartment ECLAIR cakes, bakery, pastries, French pastries… PATISSERIE PROFITEROLE, choux pastry, choux bun GATEAUX, cake L-R clockwise: Ein Eclair fur Kevin aus New York City by ingrid eulenfan CC BY-SA. Miniature French Patisserie by Stephanie Kilgast CC BY-NC-ND. Mango Mousse Gateaux by suziedepingu CC BY-NC-ND. Profiteroles by Danielle Tsi CC BY-SA. All: Flickr. My examples always include cake…
- 8. LibraryDepartment Identifying key concepts & keywords Synonyms or Related terms e.g. encryption / cryptography Alternative spellings (UK & US) e.g. organisation or organization Changing terminology e.g. global warming / climate change Alternative terminology e.g RFID / Radio-Frequency IDentification Variations in word endings (singular, plural) e.g. organisation(s)
- 9. LibraryDepartment Analysing your query - an example Finding information on: ‘information security and online banking’ Main concept Alternative terms 1. Information security Data security, security, protection 2. Online banking Banking, cyberbanking, web banking, ebanking, internet banking, etc
- 10. ACTIVITYTIME: On the handout, write down your research topic if you know it or jot down your projects ideas. Then, think of the keywords from one topic area. Then think of other words that mean the same thing… If you need ideas, discuss with your neighbour!
- 12. Identify Resources Books/ebooks JournalArticles Newspaper Articles Reports Reference Material eResources
- 13. LibraryDepartment Selecting information sources • LibrarySearch • Library Subject Guides: http://libguides.rhul.ac.uk/InformationSecurity • Online resources such as databases • Other Library Catalogues & internet resources
- 14. 14 How can I FIND information? CC-BY-NC-SA Image courtesy of Andy Piper via Flickr.
- 15. LibraryDepartment Combining Keywords AND – narrows results by returning results with both terms listed as keywords NOT – narrows results by returning results with only one term listed as a keyword OR – broadens results by returning results with either term listed as keywords
- 19. LibraryDepartment Wildcard searching – hints & tips Use wildcard characters ($ ? * - #) to replace letters in search terms Examples: inform* - finds information, informative, informational, etc. Organi?sation - finds organisation, organization, etc. NB: Help pages in online databases will explain which character is used as the wildcard
- 20. LibraryDepartment A couple of last tips and tricks… e.g. “information security” AND banking (“data security” OR “information security”) AND (bank* OR financial sector)
- 21. Library Ways you can limit your search Date: do you only want items published after a certain date? Language: do you only want references in English? Geography: Do you want information about a specific place or published in a particular country Type of publication: are you looking for journal articles, books, theses?This might influence your choice of database
- 22. ACTIVITYTIME: Go to a database on the Information Security Subject Guide and try out a few searches using your keywords and some of the search techniques we’ve just looked at.
- 23. 2 No full text access? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back!
- 24. LibraryDepartment Are you off-campus? Royal Holloway ‘Campus Anywhere’ (VPN) The only way to access all of our electronic resources off campus is to use theVirtual Private Network (VPN) service, known as 'CampusAnywhere'. How to set up theVPN connection: http://www.rhul.ac.uk/it (or click the link at the bottom of any Royal Holloway home page)
- 25. LibraryDepartment What is an Inter-Library Loan? For further information on interlibrary loans, check out the LibraryWebpages: How long does it take? • The short answer? It can depend… Is there a charge? • No charges to you (though it does cost us money) How can I make an ILL loan? • Log into LibrarySearch (see top right hand side) • Click on the Inter-Library Loans button
- 26. LibraryDepartment Is it available via Senate House Library? Senate House Library Russell Square, London WC1E 7HU Apply online for membership, visit for full access. SCONUL Access Scheme Apply online for membership/visitor access to university Libraries.
- 28. Department Why is evaluating sources important? Vast amounts of information available Making sure you are using appropriate sources in your work An important academic skill to develop Important general life skill BBC, 2017
- 29. Department The CRAAPTest Currency When was it published? Is the information too old? When was it last up-dated? How important is it that you have up-to-date information? Relevancy Does it fit your project? Will your project be stronger if you include this information? Authority Who has published or written the information? Do you trust them? Is it easy to find out anything about them? Accuracy Is the information correct? Is the information supported by evidence/references? Can you verify the information in another source? Purpose Why does the information exist? Is it trying to sell you something, persuade you or give you an opinion? Once you figure this out, you can then deceive how to use the information that you have found.
- 30. Any questions?
- 31. LibraryDepartment 34 Before I scoot off, my last few questions… CC-BY-NC-SA: Image courtesy of Clement127 via Flickr.
- 32. 35 Want further help? Leanne.Workman@rhul.ac.uk http://libguides.rhul.ac.uk/Inform ationSecurity 1-2-1 Sessions (email me! )